Give ‘soft’ Staffies a chance of a home - Sheffield charity urges

By Ellen Beardmore

These furry friends have become the stars of a myth-busting campaign which aims to show Staffordshire bull terriers are ‘softer’ than people think.

The canines are waiting for new homes after arriving at South Yorkshire animal charity Rain Rescue as abandoned strays.

Rain Rescue campaigns to show Staffordshire Bull Terriers make good pets.'Pictured is Tia, four

And now the charity has joined forces with Battersea Dogs Home in a bid to raise awareness about the breed and break the perception that they are ‘bad dogs’ with a reputation for violent attacks.

“In Victorian times Staffordshire bull terriers were known as nanny dogs because they were such good companions for children,” said Lauren Sanderson, deputy charity manager.

“Fighting is in their history but they were also used to look after children as well.

“They are very loyal dogs and that can sometimes be their downfall if they fall into the hands of the wrong people because they will do anything for their owners, and if the owners force them to fight they will fight.

Rain Rescue campaigns to show Staffordshire Bull Terriers make good pets.'Pictured is Dolly, aged two

“Paul O’Grady has just said that any dog can be a bad dog in the wrong hands. Staffies are unfairly tarred with the idea that all of them are bad and that is just not the case. It’s a shame there can be this preconception because as a breed they love human company and can make the best family pets.”

Kennels and rescue centres are often overflowing with Staffordshire bull terriers, with part of the problem being overbreeding.

There are nine in the kennels at Rain Rescue, said to be their last hope.

Lauren added: “Overbreeding of this breed is a huge problem, particularly in South Yorkshire.

Rain Rescue campaigns to show Staffordshire Bull Terriers make good pets.'Pictured is Kenny, aged three

“You have only got to look in kennels to see they have lots of Staffies.

“I would say to people to give Staffies a chance, I think a lot of people do overlook them because they have heard bad things.”

Anybody interested in adopting a dog from Rain Rescue can visit www.rainrescue.co.uk or call 07725 888207.

Rain Rescue campaigns to show Staffordshire Bull Terriers make good pets.'Pictured is Jackson, aged three

Rain Rescue campaigns to show Staffordshire Bull Terriers make good pets.'Pictured is Dennis, aged five